SolveYourProblem Article Series: Cosmetic Surgery
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Cosmetic Eye Surgery:
What To Expect In Recovery
   

After the cosmetic eye surgery itself is complete, the entire procedure still isn’t over. There is much left to be done to ensure a proper recovery and to be sure the results are up to the patient’s expectations. These steps begin before even leaving the surgeon’s care.

Immediately After Surgery

Right after the surgery itself is completed, the surgeon will most likely lubricate the patient’s eyes with an ointment and place bandages over the area. Some surgeons also apply a special mask known as a Swiss Therapy Mask. This mask, which is simply a hydrocolloid cool compress, is clear. This allows the surgeon and his team to monitor the eyes beneath. At the same, the compress helps make the area more comfortable and limits the swelling and bruising that commonly takes place after surgery.

After Anesthesia

As the anesthesia begins to wear off, the patient generally feels tightness and soreness in the area of surgery. Taking pain medication can control this discomfort. Severe pain, however, can be a sign of problems. Therefore, it is important for the patient to communicate this to the doctor if the pain is intense.

Going Home

After the patient goes home, he or she should try to keep his or her head elevated as much as possible for several days. This will help reduce the amount of bruising and swelling that takes place. Cold compresses should also continue to be used once at home. The amount of bruising varies depending on the patient. In general, the worse of the bruising is experienced during the first week after surgery. The bruising usually lasts two weeks, but it can last for up to a month.

After Care

After the cosmetic eye surgery, the patient must perform special after care to ensure a successful recovery. This includes keeping the eyes clean. For a week or longer after the surgery, they may tend to be gummy. The surgeon and his team will show the patient how to properly clean the eyes without harming the work that his been done. Some doctors also recommend using eye drops to prevent the eyelids from feeling dry and to prevent feelings of burning or itching.

Many patients also experience excessive tearing after surgery. Others have temporary changes in their site, such as double vision or blurring. Still others have a temporary sensitivity to light. All of these symptoms should be reported to the surgeon, who will monitor the patient’s progress for the first week or two after surgery. The doctor will monitor these side effects to ensure the eyes heal properly and these symptoms subside.

Returning to Normal

In generally, stitches are removed in as little as two days to as many as 10 days after cosmetic eye surgery, depending on the procedure completed. After they are removed, the swelling and bruising will begin to go away. At this point, the patient will start to feel and look better.

A couple days after surgery on the eyelids, the patient will be able to read and watch television as usual. Those who wear contact lenses, however, will have to wait for about two weeks before doing so. It is important to adhere to this time frame, even if the patient feels ok and everything appears to be healthy. The eyes and surrounding skin need this time to heal properly. Even after waiting for two weeks, it may feel uncomfortable to wear contact lenses for a while.

Most people who undergo cosmetic eye surgery feel ready to go back to work and out in public about a week to 10 days after surgery. Most people who wish to wear makeup can usually do so by this time. The makeup is particularly helpful in hiding any bruising that may still remain. It is best to avoid strenuous activities, however, for about three weeks after surgery. In particular, activities involving lifting, bending, or that raise the blood pressure should be avoided. It is also a good idea to avoid alcohol for a few weeks after surgery because it causes the body to retain fluids, which can complicate the healing process.

Many patients feel sensitivity to wind, sunlight, and other environmental irritants for several weeks following cosmetic eye surgery. It is helpful to wear sunglasses and sun block for the eyelids during this time.

The Results

The time it takes to heal completely varies from patient to patient. Scar tissue may remain slightly pink for up to six months, or longer, after surgery. These scars will eventually fade to a nearly invisible thin, white line. Following eyelid surgery, the upper eyelids will no longer droop and the skin under the eyes will be firm and smooth. Following a browlift, wrinkles on the forehead will be reduced or eliminated and the eyebrows will be even. The skin beneath them will be firm.

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by SolveYourProblem.com : 2006

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